John Nugent earned a share of prize money

John Nugent earned a share of prize money for captured ships and goods during his services on the US Navy brig Argus. After her successful cruise in the English Channel in the summer of 1813, the Argus was forced to surrender on August 14, 1813, following an engagement with HMS Pelican. Casualties on the Argus included her captain, who was killed, and Nugent, who suffered a serious leg wound. This document is signed by Connecticut-born Henry Denison (1782-1822), purser on the Argus. (© Mystic Seaport, Denison-Rodgers Collection, Mystic, CT